By MARK FRANCISCO
THE Serbisyong Inklusibo – Alyansang Progresibo (SIAP) regional party in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) will be fielding candidates for all available slots in the parliamentary elections next year.
To thousands of applauding attendees coming from all six provinces of Barmm, SIAP held its first ever assembly at the Sarimanok Sports Stadium in Marawi City last Sunday (April 28).
Constituents from Basilan, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-tawi and the host province of Lanao del Sur were joined by their respective local officials who warmly embraced the leadership of Vice Gov. Mohammad Khalid Adiong, the party president.
They were joined by officials of two other regional political parties – Bangsamoro People’s Party and Al-Ittihad-UKB Party – signifying a coalition in the May 12, 2025 parliamentary elections for a more progressive and inclusive Bangsamoro community.
“We will be fielding a total of 80 slots in the Barmm parliament as a coalition,” a beaming Adiong told reporters during a press conference after the four-hour kickoff.
The slots up for grabs will consist of 40 party representatives, 32 district representatives and eight sectoral representatives. Whoever wins the majority of seats can control the Barmm parliament and the government of the autonomous region.
“We are doing this kasi sinusulong natin ang advocacy na maging inclusive sa lahat ng sector ng Barmm. All voices must be heard,” Adiong said.
“It is a manifestation of our collective struggle for self-determination and self-governance wherein every citizen has the right to choose who they want to govern them freely and without fear. By coming together in solidarity, we can create an atmosphere conducive to peaceful and fair elections, ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard and respected,” Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman said in a separate statement.
SIAP now has more than 20,000 members ready to cast their votes and drum up support for their candidates in the 2025 Barmm parliamentary elections.
